Full title: Chatterton and “Love and madness.” A letter from Denmark, to Mr. Nichols, Editor of the Gentleman’s Magazine, where it appeared in February, March, and April 1800; respecting an unprovoked Attack, made upon the Writer during his Absence from England. By the Rev. Sir Herbert Croft, Bart.

12mo. f. [1] (blank), pp. 30, f. [1]. Marbled boards.

Very rare rejoinder by Herbert Croft (1751-1816), written from Denmark, to an attack on him in the Gentleman’s Magazine. Croft had authored a lively but scurrilous novel based on the narrative of James Hackman’s murder of Martha Ray, the mistress of Lord Sandwich. A considerable portion of the fictitious correspondence relates to Thomas Chatterton and also features James Macpherson (see also Bib# 4103377/Fr# 430 in this collection). The critical articles in the Gentleman’s magazine concerned Robert Southey accusations regarding Croft's methods of acquiring Chatterton's letters. English Short Title Catalogue Online, T63614 only records four copies.

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